Other Warrantless Searches

There are almost too many exceptions to the
warrant requirement to count; courts have acknowledged a plethora of situations
in which officers need not seek judicial approval before conducting a search. You can read about many of them here.

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. In order to determine whether a search is “reasonable,” courts consider a central question: Does the person have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the place or item searched?

The police don’t need a warrant to conduct a search that’s in response to an emergency (“exigent circumstances”). Sometimes they don’t even need probable cause, as when they’re simply looking out for public safety.

You’ve checked into a hotel for the weekend. You’ve got a nice, relaxing stay planned. But your peace and quiet are suddenly interrupted by a uniformed officer banging on the door to your room. The officer explains that he knew where to find you by inspecting the hotel registry. Regardless of the